ONE FAREWELL GAME FOR THE MIGHTY MOUSE
Almost a month after hanging his jerseys, newly-installed Talk ‘N Text team manager Jimmy Alapag admits that he still misses going out there, lacing up his sneakers and playing on the court.
Well, he’ll have one more chance to do just that.
To express the league’s gratitude for the years of bringing honor, pride and glory not only to the PBA but to Philippine basketball as a whole, commissioner Chito Salud decided give Alapag a farewell game.
And what a farewell game it would be.
Alapag has been named as the 13th man in the South All-Star Team that will play in the 2015 PBA All-Star Game in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on March 8.
“It’s been a month and I miss being out there but it’s part of being retired so I’m looking forward to the game,” Alapag said. “I told commissioner (Chito) Salud that I appreciate the gesture of him and the PBA deciding to include me. I know my retirement caught a lot of people by surprise so it gives me one last opportunity to connect to the fans and at the same time be out there with the best players in our country.”
Though the fans still miss his presence on the hardcourt, Alapag promised that he’ll do the things he does best in the All-Star Game.
“I’m going to do the same thing where I built my career on, enjoying the game and competing. It’s one last opportunity to go out there and let the fans see what they saw in the past 12 years. I’m excited and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Talk n Text will also have a formal retirement ceremony for their prized court general during the All-Star festivities.
Alapag, however, is now focused on his new assignment and more concerned on the progress of the Tropang Texters, who at times seem to be missing his veteran presence on the floor.
“I think there’s a little bit of adjustment,” he said. “I’ve been with the franchise for so long, and anytime you take out a piece of the puzzle, there’s going to be a transition.”
And he knows that this phase might just be one of those steps in the road back to the championship for Talk ‘N Text.
“We’re still a work in progress, but I think it’s the same story for every team at this point,” said Alapag. “We just have to continue working everyday, to push and get better so come playoff time, we’ll be at our best.” (RL)
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